| |
RN1M > VARA 15.06.24 21:03l 144 Lines 7800 Bytes #160 (0) @ WW
BID : 4632_RN1M
Read: IU4JRU GUEST
Subj: VarAC V9@2.3 is here!
Path: IZ3LSV<I0OJJ<I0OJJ<N6RME<CX2SA<F3KT<F3KT<UT1HZM<RN1M
Sent: 240615/1747Z 4632@RN1M.SPB.RUS.EU LinBPQ6.0.24
>From rn1m%rn1m.spb.rus.eu@i0ojj.ampr.org Sat Jun 15 22:00:27 2024
Received: from i0ojj.ampr.org by i0ojj.ampr.org (JNOS2.0p.1) with SMTP
id AA17003857 ; Sat, 15 Jun 2024 22:00:27 +0200
Message-Id: <4632_RN1M@i0ojj.bbs>
>From: rn1m@rn1m.spb.rus.eu
X-JNOS-User-Port: Telnet (i0ojj @ 44.134.32.240) -> Sending message
With Chat recall, GPS integration, Broadcast-Based SNR, DCD bypass, Date/Time customization and much more!
Hello fellow VarACiers!
We're thrilled to reveal an array of surprises in this latest version update.
80% of the new features and enhancements in this version are driven by community requests. As you can see, we are very receptiv
e to your fantastic ideas.
Among the many enhancements, we have some significant announcements that we can't wait to share with you. So without further ad
o, let's dive in:
📢 Introducing: Chat Recall
Have you ever found yourself reconnecting with someone only to ask the same questions again? You know you've chatted before; yo
u see their basic details on screen, but the specifics escape you. That's where Chat Recall steps in.
Upon connection, your data stream seamlessly incorporates previous correspondences with this contact. Just like in WhatsApp, wh
ere even after a year, you can effortlessly revisit past chats to refresh your memory.
In simple terms, with Chat Recall, you pick up the conversation right where you left off. Upon disconnection, your DataStream r
everts to displaying all data exchanges. This feature can be easily toggled on or off in settings.
Oh, and to streamline things further, we've also introduced date-splitters. These handy tools allow you to view traffic on a da
te-by-date basis, making it even easier to navigate your chat history.
Chat recall & Date splitters
Ok moving on. When you're on the move, ensuring your grid locator accurately reflects your current position is crucial. That's
precisely where GPS technology comes into play.
📢 Introducing: GPS integration
This will work with any NMEA-based GPS, from the inexpensive $1 models on AliExpress to high-end devices. All you need is a GPS
that delivers NMEA data through a COM port.
In the settings menu, you'll find a new GPS tab where you can configure the COM port settings.
Additionally, there are two settings you can configure:
1. Enable GPS Reading: You can disable this anytime if you're stationary and don't want VarAC to connect to your GPS.
2. Remember Last Position: This option allows VarAC to save your last GRID locator from the GPS reading as your default GRID lo
cator. Even if you disconnect your GPS, VarAC will retain your last recorded position as your current location.
GPS settings
Wondering how to confirm if your GPS reading is working?
Your GRID locator on the bottom bar will light up in green with a clear GPS indication.
Hover your mouse over it to see details like exact latitude/longitude, last reading time, and more.
If you see the indicator illuminated in orange, it means there hasn't been a valid reading for a while, and you might need to c
heck your GPS.
GPS status
📢 Introducing: DCD (Data Carrier Detect) Bypass
The VARA modem has an internal DCD mechanism to detect signals on the frequency. VarAC uses this detection mechanism to indicat
e if the frequency is occupied with a red BUSY indicator.
By default, VarAC respects the busy indicator and prevents you from transmitting in any way while the BUSY indicator is lit. Th
is means no CQs, beacons, broadcasts, or connections.
However, sometimes constant noise, such as an OTH radar or deliberate QRM, can block the frequency.
Version 9.2.3 allows you to temporarily override the DCD detector and ignore the BUSY indicator. You can enable this by checkin
g the box on the right side of the VarAC console. VarAC will automatically turn it off after 2 hours.
Ignore DCD checkbox
📢 Introducing: Broadcast-based SNR requests
SNR reports are automatically exchanged during a live VarAC link (connection/chat). So why not include them in broadcast messag
es as well?
Starting with VarAC V9.2.3, the send broadcast form includes a checkbox to request an SNR report in your broadcast. This signal
s the recipient to send you a report back automatically.
Please note that this feature is only available when sending a broadcast to a specific station. You can't request a report from
"ALL".
Additionally, we've improved the broadcast form: you can now select your destination callsign from a drop down populated with s
tations you previously sent broadcasts to.
Broadcast-based SNR
📢 Introducing: Date/Time format customization
VarAC now supports three date/time formats for your convenience. You can set them under the appearance and sound settings dialo
g.
Date/Time format
But wait, there's so much more! Check out this comprehensive list of all the exciting new features and enhancements in VarAC V9
.2.3:
Enhancements/Changes:
Tags now function in VMails, allowing easy incorporation of data using <INFO>, <NAME>, <LOC>, <GPSLOC>, etc...
Show an alert when changing to EmComm mode while on a calling frequency.
EmComm beacon colors can now be customized under the appearance settings.
Upgraded callsign-history screen: New tabular view mode for chat history, applying appearance settings, and clicking enter to s
earch callsign.
Reflect "EmComm beacon" on the VARA command window when a beacon is fired in EmComm mode.
Added a dropdown menu for recent callsigns in the send broadcast dialogue.
Moved the beacons/CQ time diff selector to the settings section.
Set a custom VarAC DB File path using the new VarAC.ini parameter DBCustomFilePath= under the OTHER section.
Changed sending log to N3FJP log, sending an "ENTER" comment to trigger QSO uploads to external sources (QRZ.COM).
Double-clicking a broadcast message will open it in a larger viewer (similar to DataStream message double-click), now also allo
wing to pick Name/QTH/LOC for QSO logging.
Replaced <SNRR> tag with a shorter version <SR>.
Changed the way VarAC logs to ACL N3FJP; now it automatically logs and does not require manual approval.
Removed N1MM+ Logging using TCP. UDP method remains.
Changed default dx cluster (VE7CC) port from 7373 to 23.
To upgrade from an existing VarAC version:
Download the VarAC Installer and run it.
Select the current folder where your VarAC resides.
The installer will keep your existing settings and history.
If you prefer the traditional method, we've got you covered as always with a ZIP package (see link below the download button)
Just reminding you all that we are always there for you on our Forum, our Facebook group, and also on our Telegram group.
Our esteemed team member Pat ON2AD, is delighted to present the V9.2.3 user manual. You can access it by clicking HERE.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Beta team & Translators for their outstanding contributions. The Beta team has investe
d their time to ensure a seamless VarAC experience for you, while our translators have diligently worked to offer the VarAC exp
erience in over 11 languages.
73,
Irad 4Z1AC & the VarAC team.
Download VarAC V9.2.3 Windows installer
Alternatively - Download this version as a ZIP package
(for windows/Mac/Linux/Pi)
Bug Fixes:
Pings were incorrectly marked as "Worked before" stations.
Fixed some color flickering when opening the frequency dropdown immediately after a frequency change.
Corrected the issue of not sending "Is typing" events when selecting a canned message from the dropdown.
After restarting in EmComm mode, the beacon timer was reset to 15, if it was lower.
Alert tags with < > signs did not function properly.
Fixed some prefixes in DXCC country codes.
--
1200 baud it's greater, than zero bits per second :)
Best regards, Sergey Ievkov <RN1M@RN1M.SPB.RUS.EU>
Read previous mail | Read next mail
| |
